Rashan Gary and the Green Bay Packers defense have been relatively peaceful in two games against athletic quarterbacks to start the 2024 season, but a showdown with the Tennessee Titans could unleash the disruptive potential of Jeff Hafley’s front, especially Gary.
Let’s consider the matchup that awaits the Packers on Sunday.
According to Next Gen Stats, Titans right quarterback Nicholas Petit-Frere allowed 13 pressures in 35 pass-blocking plays last week against the New York Jets. The 13 pressures allowed set a modern NGS single-game record (data tracked since 2018). Gary lines up almost exclusively against opposing right quarterbacks. Petit-Frere versus Gary could be one of the biggest mismatches on offense in the NFL in Week 3.
Pro Football Focus tells a similar story. Through two games, Petit-Frere leads all offensive linemen with 11 pressures allowed on 77 pass-blocking snaps. He is credited with allowing seven hurries, one quarterback hit and one quarterback sack against the Jets.
Last season, Petit-Frere allowed 11 pressures — including three sacks and five quarterback hits — on just 66 pass-blocking snaps split between left and right quarterbacks. Quarterback protection issues are nothing modern for the 2022 third-round pick out of Ohio State.
Gary may not be the only defender feasting on the Packers Sunday in Nashville. Through two weeks, the Titans have ranked last in the NFL in pass-blocking efficiency per PFF. Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed an NFL-high 33 pressures on just 73 pass-blocking snaps.
In Week 1, the Titans allowed pressure on nearly half of their dropback attempts. This is a tough unit to navigate in Tennessee’s offense. In terms of ESPN’s pass block win rate, the Titans rank 29th in the NFL at 43 percent.
Quarterback will also change the equation for the Packers. While second-year quarterback Will Levis is no statue, he is far from the run threats of Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson, so the Packers could be more aggressive at quarterback on Sunday. Containment in the pocket won’t be as much of a focus.
Gary has three pressures through two games, including a sack on third-down Lane Johnson in Week 1. He was peaceful Sunday against Richardson and the Colts. Could Week 3 be a breakout game for Gary and the Packers’ deep pass-rush group? The Titans look like the perfect matchup for a pass-rush that’s willing to fly up the field and attack the quarterback in any obvious passing situation.
